arm wrestling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “arm wrestling” mean?
A physical contest in which two participants lock hands and try to force each other's arm down onto a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical contest in which two participants lock hands and try to force each other's arm down onto a surface.
A broader contest of strength, will, or influence, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spacing and hyphenation show slight regional variation. British English more commonly uses 'arm-wrestling' (hyphenated), while American English often uses 'arm wrestling' (open compound). The verb form 'to arm-wrestle' is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of physical strength, direct competition, and machismo.
Frequency
Similar frequency; a well-understood concept in both cultures.
Grammar
How to Use “arm wrestling” in a Sentence
[engage in] arm wrestling[challenge X] to arm wrestling[beat X at] arm wrestling[defeat X in] arm wrestlingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arm wrestling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to arm-wrestle for the last biscuit.
- He's been arm-wrestling since he was a lad.
American English
- They arm wrestled to settle the bet.
- I'll arm wrestle you for it.
adjective
British English
- He's an arm-wrestling enthusiast.
- They attended an arm-wrestling tournament.
American English
- She holds an arm wrestling title.
- It was an arm wrestling showdown.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The two CEOs were arm-wrestling over the terms of the merger.'
Academic
Rare, except in sports science or anthropological studies of play.
Everyday
Literal: 'The kids were arm wrestling at the picnic table.'
Technical
Used in sports commentary and analysis of leverage, biomechanics, and muscle groups.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arm wrestling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arm wrestling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arm wrestling”
- Using 'arm fight' (incorrect). Using singular 'arm' as in 'He is good at arm wrestle.' (should be 'arm wrestling' or 'arm-wrestling').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All forms are seen. 'Arm wrestling' (open) is common, especially in American English. 'Arm-wrestling' (hyphenated) is often used, particularly in British English, when acting as a compound modifier (e.g., arm-wrestling champion). Dictionaries list it as an open compound.
Yes, the verb is 'to arm-wrestle' (often hyphenated). For example: 'They arm-wrestled for an hour.'
They are essentially synonyms, though 'arm wrestling' is the vastly more common term. 'Wrist wrestling' is sometimes used but can sound slightly old-fashioned or regional.
Yes, it is an organized competitive sport with official federations, world championships, and specific rules, though in everyday contexts it is often a casual game.
A physical contest in which two participants lock hands and try to force each other's arm down onto a surface.
Arm wrestling is usually informal in register.
Arm wrestling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːm ˌres.lɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrm ˌres.lɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a real arm-wrestle of a negotiation.”
- “The legal battle turned into a bureaucratic arm wrestle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ARM (your limb) WRESTLING (a type of fighting) = fighting with arms.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT IS PHYSICAL COMBAT / NEGOTIATION IS A TEST OF STRENGTH.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'an arm-wrestle' usually refers to: